Hailstorm in Wayanad Stuns Drought-Hit Kerala

Residents in Kerala’s Wayanad district witnessed a heavy hail storm late on 1 May, with the Sulthan Bathery area being hit the hardest.

(Photo Courtesy: The News Minute)

After the hailstorm, the roads and rooftops of houses in the area were covered with hailstones that did not melt till the next morning. The district has been witnessing mild hailstorms since last week.

While minor hail fall is common in the district, Monday’s storm, which lasted for about an hour, is said to be the heaviest to have hit the district in 25 years.

Following the torrent of hailstones, minor damage was reported to various cultivations in the district.

(Photo Courtesy: The News Minute)

(Photo Courtesy: The News Minute)

The hailstorms come even as Kerala is grappling with one of the worst summers to hit the state till date. With drought fears looming over the state, Kerala water resources minister Mathew T Thomas on 2 May appealed for the judicious use of water.